Ultracapacitor modules for smart-grid applications

Parts are members of the company’s UL 810 recognised Powerburst offering, which is comprised of the general-purpose TPL and TPLS series of 2.7V cells, as well as the TPLE series of 2.3V cells featuring a -40C to +85C temperature range.

The flat prismatic PC5 and PC10 series of 2.5V cells are provided for applications where height is limited.

For applications requiring modules, the low- and ultra-low profile PB/PBF/PBL/PBLL series of 5.0V and 5.4V devices are available.

Parts are said to offer OEMs/ODMs the advantage of ensuring product and system safety while minimising the time and expense associated with additional component-level testing.

Tecate’s customisation capabilities include the use of Solidworks 3D CAD (MCAD) software to facilitate design flexibility, responsiveness, and application engineering support.

The high-power-density cells feature capacitance values ranging from 0.5F to 400F and low equivalent series resistance (ESR).

Modules can withstand more than 500,000 cycles.

Suitable for use in low-profile/small-footprint systems and products, Tecate’s RoHS-compliant ultracapacitor cells and modules target AMR and smart-grid applications in which consumption, diagnostic and status data is collected from water or energy metering devices (gas and electric), and then transferred to a central database for billing, troubleshooting and analysis.

The parts provide battery-free ’last gasp’ power and satisfy the high-current pulse requirements of AMS technology.

They also provide critical backup power during power outages to ensure uninterrupted communication to/from the grid.

Capable of operating at low temperatures (-40C), parts supplement batteries for low-temperature boost, and relieve batteries of peak power functions to extend battery life.

Tecate’s PB/PBF/PBL/PBLL series of modules are available with active or passive cell balancing, and with radial leads or flexible wire and connectors to eliminate the need for soldering.

They are provided in an array of standard and custom high-voltage, advanced-circuitry and packaging options to meet application-specific requirements.